What is the legal definition of “intoxication”?

In Florida, intoxication is legally defined as “a substantial disturbance of mental, emotional, or physical faculties of a person, caused by the introduction of alcohol or other drug into the body of the person, to the point that the person no longer has the normal use of mental, emotional, or physical faculties.” This definition is part of the Florida Liquor Liability Law, which states that bar owners, restaurants, and other establishments that serve alcoholic beverages can be held liable for personal injury or property damage that is caused by an intoxicated patron. The legal definition of “intoxication” does not rely solely on the amount of alcohol consumed, but the effect that the alcohol has had on the person’s faculties. This means that even if a person drinks a small amount of alcohol, they may still be considered intoxicated if they exhibit signs of intoxication, such as slurred speech, impaired balance, reduced motor control, loss of a sense of responsibility, or any other signs of being “under the influence” of alcohol or drugs. In Florida, intoxication is a criminal offense, and any individual found guilty of intoxication can face penalties such as fines, community service, probation, or even jail time. Additionally, responsible establishments may be held liable for any incidents that occur due to a patron becoming intoxicated, so it is important for establishments to be knowledgeable about the legal requirements of preventing intoxication.

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What is the legal definition of “intoxication”?

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